Canva, the all-in-one visual communication platform, has acquired Nottingham-based Affinity, the creative software suite for professional photo editing, illustration, graphic design and page layout. The acquisition significantly bolsters Canva’s vision to build the world’s most comprehensive suite of visual communication tools. “Visual communication is now ubiquitous in the workplace and investing in strategies that enhance our B2B offerings is core to the future of our business,” said Canva co-founder and COO, Cliff Obrecht. “From sales and marketing, to brand and creative teams, the need to create effective and engaging visual content is on the rise. The Affinity team comes with an incredible caliber of talent and technology and we’re delighted to welcome them to Canva as we enter our next phase together.” Today, more than 3 million users around the world trust Affinity to create everything from complex multi-layered graphics to detailed technical diagrams, art and illustration, logos, mockups, documents, magazines and more. Canva will continue to invest in the Affinity suite to ensure it not only meets the needs of professional designers, but also enhances their experiences and empowers them to do their best work. “Since the inception of Affinity, our mission has been to empower creatives with tools that unleash their full potential, fostering a community where innovation and artistry flourish,” said Ashley Hewson, CEO of Affinity. “We’ve worked tirelessly to challenge the status quo, delivering professional-grade creative software that is both accessible and affordable. Canva’s commitment to empowering everyone to create aligns perfectly with those values. We couldn’t be more excited about becoming part of the Canva family and can’t wait to see what we will achieve together.”

Derbyshire-headquartered engineering business Cullum Detuners has acquired Jade Insulation, which has premises in Rotherham and Feltham. Jade Insulation specialises in insulation and trace heating solutions for all industrial markets, emphasising water utility and waste to power (biomass). Mark Jansen, Cullum Group Managing Director, said: “This acquisition supports our long- term goal of wider market diversification and business simplification. “Jade complements our Group product offering well, and we believe we are well placed to support the incumbent leadership team’s growth goals and aspirations. “I would like to thank Colin Tarry and Peter White, for their support during what was a smooth and collaborative sale process and wish them both the best for the future.” Jade will remain a dedicated trading entity, with no plans to integrate into the wider Cullum Group.

The unpredictability of today’s business climate requires a robust strategy to protect your assets. One often overlooked aspect is the security of unoccupied commercial properties, which can present unique challenges and risks. Ensuring you have the right insurance coverage becomes a crucial step in safeguarding your investment and maintaining the continuity of your business operations. Unoccupied commercial property insurance is not just about fulfilling a legal requirement but protecting your financial future against unforeseen events. Protect your property and ensure peace of mind by exploring your options for unoccupied commercial property insurance today. Don’t let your assets become vulnerable to the unexpected. Take the first step towards comprehensive protection now. What You Need to Know About Unoccupied Commercial Property Insurance When you own commercial property that temporarily stands unoccupied, the risks don’t pause. Unoccupied commercial property insurance plays a pivotal role in protecting your investment during these periods. Unlike standard property insurance, this coverage is specifically designed to address the unique challenges and vulnerabilities of properties without regular occupancy. It ensures that your asset remains safeguarded against potential damages or losses, including vandalism, theft, or environmental factors. Selecting the right insurance coverage is vital. This type of insurance can offer peace of mind by covering risks that are often excluded in standard policies. For example, the financial implications can be substantial if a pipe bursts or a fire occurs when the property is unoccupied. Having comprehensive coverage tailored to these situations ensures that your property is protected, helping you manage your financial risk effectively. The Risks to Unoccupied Properties Unoccupied commercial properties are more than just vacant spaces; they are assets at increased risk. Without daily oversight, these properties become prime targets for vandalism and squatting, both of which can lead to significant financial loss and damage. Furthermore, the absence of regular maintenance can exacerbate small issues, such as leaks or electrical faults, turning them into major problems that are costly to address. Beyond the immediate threats, there are also legal and insurance implications to consider. Many standard insurance policies limit or exclude coverage for periods when a property is unoccupied. This gap in protection can leave you vulnerable to unexpected expenses, highlighting the need for specialised insurance that keeps your property covered, no matter the circumstances. Preventive Measures for Unoccupied Commercial Properties Protecting your unoccupied commercial property goes beyond insurance; it involves taking proactive steps to mitigate risks. Regular maintenance checks are crucial. Ensure that security systems are operational, plumbing is intact, and electrical systems are safe. These measures reduce the risk of damage and deter potential vandals or squatters, keeping your property in a better state and potentially lowering insurance premiums. Consider employing a property management service for regular inspections and maintenance. This can be especially beneficial if you cannot visit the property often. They can report issues before they escalate, providing an added layer of security. Establishing a good relationship with neighbours can also offer extra eyes on your property, adding to your peace of mind. Key Terms and Conditions of Insurance Policies Understanding the key terms and conditions of unoccupied commercial property insurance policies is crucial for ensuring your coverage meets your needs. Policies can vary significantly, so it’s important to understand what is and isn’t covered. For instance, some policies may have specific requirements for how long a property can remain unoccupied before coverage changes, or they may require you to implement certain security measures. Clarifying the process for filing a claim and understanding the deductible amounts is also essential. Knowing these details in advance can save you time and frustration in the event of a claim. Additionally, it’s wise to inquire about any optional coverages that could further protect your investment, such as coverage for natural disasters or vandalism. Armed with this knowledge, you can make informed decisions about your insurance coverage, ensuring your unoccupied commercial property is well protected. How to Choose the Right Unoccupied Property Insurance Choosing the right unoccupied property insurance requires careful consideration of your specific needs and risks. Start by assessing the coverage options available, focusing on policies that offer comprehensive protection against a wide range of risks. This includes looking for policies that cover everything from structural damage to liability in case someone is injured on the property. Consulting with an insurance professional can provide valuable insights into the nuances of different policies. They can help you understand the fine print, including any exclusions or conditions, ensuring that the coverage you choose fits your property’s unique profile. The goal is to find a policy that provides adequate protection without overextending on premiums, balancing business costs against the level of coverage provided. This strategic approach will safeguard your investment while keeping your financial plan intact.   Have you considered the full extent of protection your unoccupied commercial property needs? Ensure your investment is safeguarded against all risks by choosing the right unoccupied commercial property insurance. Act now to secure your property’s future and maintain your peace of mind. Explore your insurance options today and take control of your property’s protection.

Cleantech business Green Building Renewables has expanded its nationwide network into Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire with its eleventh acquisition.   

Newark-based JL Phillips Renewable Energy Limited increases the company’s turnover to £42 million as it remains on track to reach its £100 million turnover target by the end of 2025.

Since 2021, Green Building Renewables has increased its turnover more than tenfold from £3m to over £40m. Its rapid growth reflects the increasing demand for renewable technology in domestic and commercial settings.

JL Philips’ acquisition allows Green Building Renewables to expand further into Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire. The company already has an existing office in Nottingham. 

Green Building Renewables’ continued strategic vision is to extend the benefits of solar energy and low carbon heating to as many local communities as possible by investing into existing local reputable renewable installation companies. 

Managing Director of Green Building Renewables, Chris Delaney, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Jason and his team to ours. JL Phillips is our eleventh acquisition and it demonstrates our commitment to continually investing in renewables and low carbon technology across the country as we aim to build the largest renewable installation company in the UK.” 

Jason Phillips, Managing Director of JL Phillips, added: “Our team is excited about joining Green Building Renewables’ nationwide network of renewable energy experts. The model that Chris and his team are building to offer local installers across the country is important. It ensures that customers get the best local service they can from installers who know their area and understand their needs.” 

The investment into JL Phillips will increase jobs by 25% in the region and is part of a wider strategy to recruit and train the renewable workforce of the future. There remains a skills shortage in the UK when it comes to qualified solar panel installers and heat pump engineers.

In the last two years, Green Building Renewables has grown from one office in York to 15 regional offices across England. By the end of 2024 the company aims to have full coverage of England. 

Staff numbers have increased sixfold in the last two years and the aim this year is to increase staff numbers by a further 60%. The SME has recruited 19 staff already in 2024 and currently has 20 vacancies across the business.  

Chris Joubert, Merger and Acquisition Director at Green Building renewables, added: “JL Phillips is the second acquisition of the year for the company and it’s only March. We are in active conversations with other companies, and we are confident that by the end of the year we will have complete coverage of England through our nationwide local network. This will ensure everyone in the country will be able to access our trusted and highly rated services.”

Business confidence in the East Midlands fell 17 points during March to 35%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.

Companies in the East Midlands reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down 15 points at 37%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down 19 points to 33%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 35% (vs. 52% in February).

Businesses in the East Midlands identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as evolving their offering, for example by introducing new products or services (48%), investing in their team, for example by hiring new staff or investing in training (37%), and entering new markets, for example by diversifying into adjacent markets or exporting to new ones (36%).

The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.

National picture

Overall UK business confidence registered 42% in March, the same as in February, as firms’ confidence in their own trading prospects (49%) held steady, and confidence in the economy strengthened by one point (35%).

Yorkshire and the Humber was the most confident UK nation or region in March (60%), followed by the North East (56%) and London (52%).

Sector insights

Services confidence fell 5 points to 40%, the first decline since December. That drop, however, was offset by rises in confidence in the manufacturing, retail and construction sectors.

The gains in manufacturing (up 1 point to 41%) and construction (up 2 points to 40%) were relatively modest and confidence remained below levels seen at the start of 2024. Firms in the retail sector reported improved confidence (up 5 points to 45%), which was the strongest result for over two years.

Dave Atkinson, regional director for the East Midlands at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “While it might be discouraging to see a drop in business confidence in the region this month, a pickup in businesses looking to evolve their offering since last month points to an increasing focus on diversification as a route for growth.

“As an upcoming devolution deal will deliver £38m per year for the newly formed East Midlands Combined County Authority, regional businesses can look forward to fresh development opportunities. We’ll continue to be by the side of local firms as they prepare to capitalise on all opportunities ahead.”